Addition of lead ions to electrolyte suppresses zinc dendrite formation during charging cycle. A soluble lead salt can be added directly or metallic lead can be incorporated in the zinc electrode and allowed to dissolve into the electrolyte

Fleischmann, C. W.

Oswin, H. G.

Oxley, J. E.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

February 1970
	 Brief 70-10153 
NASA TECH BRIEF 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U.S. space program, 
to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public at 15 cents each 
from the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information-, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Improved Alkaline Electrochemical Cell 
.
The problem: 
In the conventional rechargeable alkaline electro-
chemical cell employing a negative zinc electrode, the 
zinc oxide produced during discharge dissolves in the 
electrolyte to form zincate ions. During the charging 
cycle, zinc is plated out from the zincate ions in the 
form of dendrites, which can cause shorting, incon-
sistent performance, and early failure of the cell. 
The solution: 
Addition of lead ions to the electrolyte to suppress 
zinc dendrite formation during the charging cycle. 
How it's done: 
A soluble lead salt (e.g., lead nitrate or acetate) can 
be added directly to the electrolyte to introduce the 
lead ions, or metallic lead can be incorporated in the 
zinc electrode and allowed to dissolve (ionize) into the 
electrolyte. The concentration of lead dissolved in the 
electrolyte should be in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 grams 
per liter. Less lead is ineffective in preventing dendrite
growth, and more lead results in a mass of nonadherent 
dendrites containing lead. 
Note: 
No additional documentation is available. Specific 
questions, however, may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Goddard Space Flight Center 
Greenbelt, Maryland 20771 
Reference: B70-10153 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code GP, 
Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Source: Harry G. Oswin, James E. Oxley, and

Charles W. Fleischmann of

Leesona Moos Laboratory
under contract to

Goddard Space Flight Center

(GSC- 10792) 
Category 01 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19700000147 2020-03-17T00:28:04+00:00Z


Improved alkaline electrochemical cell

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

NASA Technical Reports Server